Easter and the way out of the crisis?
Austrian Easter seems to bring some relief. With a few exceptions, Tyroleans may once again legally cross municipal borders and get some true exercise enjoying the wonderful landscape (that's how it should stay). In Vienna, it is clearly more difficult to keep the mandatory one-meter distance. Naturally, our capital has beautiful landscapes as well, but - due to urban conditions – some of them are nicely fenced and either open parks of the city of Vienna or closed federal gardens (Schönbrunn, Belvedere, Hofburggärten, ...).
But the opening is in progress, step by step: On 14 April, the DIY stores and garden centres ramp up again, as well as smaller shops with a sales space not exceeding the magic 400 m² limit. No wonder that some of the big players want to make themselves look smaller (will barriers in the shop secure the invisible 400 m² limit in a legally compliant way?).
The crisis and the way out of it do not progress at the same pace in all economic sectors. There are “forerunners” such as grocery stores or pharmacies, second the businesses starting from 14 April and finally those that have to wait until May (large furniture stores, hairdressers, etc.). The tourism industry will come last, but hopefully will not be at its end: bridge financing with state guarantees (which are already available for 100% of the financed amount), short-time labour and state support and continued quasi-closed borders could still bring about a summer rebound to the Austrian lake and mountain regions.
And then the question will be whether the differencies among the various economic ramp-up phases is in harmony with the fundamental principle of equality and whether these distinctions are justified and proportionate from an objective point of view. And once the worst will be over, the question will be: Who shall actually pay for the aid packages worth billions of Euros and how can the intensive care patient "EU" recover again. But one thing at a time.
In any case, Binder Grösswang and its Corona-Taskforce wish you a Happy Easter with lots of eggs, lots of optimism and good health. Take care. Of yourself, of your families, of all of us. In Austria and elsewhere.
Please note: This blog merely provides general information and does not constitute legal advice of any kind from Binder Grösswang Rechtsanwälte GmbH. The blog cannot replace individual legal consultation. Binder Grösswang Rechtsanwälte GmbH assumes no liability whatsoever for the content and correctness of the blog.